This phrase causes angst among many. Some read student led and become anxious, they fear chaos will ensue. Others read it and are threatened “but how will I use my gifts?” Even teens may read it and have their doubts, “I’m too young, I don’t need more on my plate!”

But we’re only reading half of the phrase, we cannot forget the adult mentored part of the statement.

There’s nothing new under the sun. About a year ago I came up with this phrase ‘Student Led, Adult Mentored’ (SLAM) Ministry, but it is a concept that has been practiced for many many years. As already stated, it was what Jesus did, but it was also the way the very first youth ministry organization was started in 1881 (Christian Endeavor International) when a group of teens were challenged by an adult mentor (Francis Clark) to live daily for Christ and lead his cause!

Over the course of the next year with teens playing the key role, Youthmark, Christian Endeavor and a few others organizations and individuals are going to role out some game-changers in student ministry. We want to go back to the beginning where Jesus asked a group of teens if he could “teach them how to fish for souls?”

Students are ready, capable and already leading in so many other realms, it is time (again) for the church to give them room to operate and mentors to come alongside them!

Grace,
Brian

Don’t wait, the first initiative is out for this movement. Go to Pray21.com and begin this thing with praying WITH teens!

I just have never found a more biblical, holistic, hard-than-heck, way to disciple youth to discover, develop, and deploy a God-size-Christ-centered mission for their life. It will take all the commitment you’ve got and produce all the results you’ve every imagined. So glad to partner with Youthmark and Brian Aaby.

I just have never found a more biblical, holistic, hard-than-heck, way to disciple youth to discover, develop, and deploy a God-size-Christ-centered mission for their life. It will take all the commitment you’ve got and produce all the results you’ve every imagined. So glad to partner with Youthmark and Brian Aaby.